When it comes to Mediterranean cuisine, the bright, fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients make it a favorite for many. Greek cuisine, in particular, is loved for its balance of spices, herbs, and fresh produce. One dish that captures the essence of this culinary tradition is Chicken Souvlaki, traditionally skewered, marinated chicken grilled to perfection. Today, we’re bringing this classic into a bowl form, allowing you to savor each element in a harmonious, layered meal: Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls.
These bowls are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They pack a punch of nutrition and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or preparing a weeknight dinner, these bowls are the perfect choice for a light but satisfying meal.
What is Souvlaki?
Souvlaki is a popular street food in Greece, consisting of small pieces of marinated meat, typically served on skewers. Chicken, lamb, and pork are the most common meats used for this dish. The term “souvlaki” refers to “small skewer” in Greek, but in the case of a souvlaki bowl, we’re breaking the tradition by serving it deconstructed — no skewers, but all the same delicious flavors.
This dish pairs tender, grilled chicken souvlaki with classic Mediterranean accompaniments: a tangy tzatziki sauce, fresh cucumber and tomato salad, and fluffy, seasoned rice or quinoa. It’s essentially a modern take on a Greek classic that brings a complete meal into one satisfying bowl.
Why You’ll Love These Souvlaki Bowls
There are several reasons why these Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls might become a regular part of your meal rotation:
- Easy to Make: While it might seem like there are a lot of components, each part of the bowl is simple to prepare, and many can be prepped in advance.
- Healthy: These bowls are packed with lean protein from the chicken, plenty of fresh vegetables, and whole grains.
- Customizable: Whether you’re following a gluten-free, low-carb, or vegetarian diet, there are plenty of options to adapt this recipe to your needs.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: You can prepare all the components ahead of time and assemble the bowls throughout the week for a quick and easy meal.
Now, let’s dive into how to make these delicious Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls from scratch!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Souvlaki:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 small cucumber, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or mint), chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Feta cheese (optional, but recommended)
For the Base:
- 1 cup basmati rice or quinoa, cooked
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Hummus
- Pita bread
- Extra feta cheese
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
To make the chicken souvlaki, start by marinating the chicken pieces. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken in the marinade, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 2-3 hours. This allows the flavors to fully infuse into the meat, giving you that distinct souvlaki taste.
2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the tzatziki sauce. Start by grating the cucumber and squeezing out any excess water using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. This step is crucial to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery. In a small bowl, combine the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped dill or mint, salt, and pepper. Stir until well-combined and adjust seasoning to taste. Refrigerate the sauce until you’re ready to serve.
3. Prepare the Greek Salad
Next, prepare the salad. In a large bowl, combine diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and Kalamata olives. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar, then season with salt and pepper. If you’re using feta cheese, crumble it over the top and gently toss the salad. The freshness of the vegetables, paired with the briny olives and tangy vinegar, adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and tzatziki.
4. Cook the Rice or Quinoa
For the base of your bowls, you can use either rice or quinoa, depending on your preference. Cook 1 cup of basmati rice or quinoa according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff the grains with a fork and stir in some fresh parsley, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper to brighten up the flavors.
5. Grill or Sear the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook it. You can either grill the chicken for that authentic souvlaki char or cook it in a large skillet over medium-high heat. If grilling, thread the chicken pieces onto skewers and grill for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. If using a skillet, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Assemble the Bowls
Now for the fun part: assembling your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls! Start by placing a portion of the rice or quinoa at the bottom of each bowl. Add a generous scoop of the Greek salad on one side, followed by a few pieces of grilled chicken. Spoon some tzatziki sauce over the chicken or serve it on the side for dipping. If you like, you can also add a dollop of hummus, some pita bread, or extra feta cheese to finish off your bowl.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls are ready to be enjoyed! The beauty of these bowls is in their versatility — you can mix and match ingredients based on your personal preferences or dietary needs. Each bite offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, from the juicy, flavorful chicken to the creamy tzatziki, crunchy vegetables, and tender grains.
Tips for Success
- Marinate Ahead of Time: For the most flavorful chicken, try marinating it overnight. The longer it marinates, the more intense the flavors will be.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the pita bread for a gluten-free option, or leave it out entirely, and opt for quinoa instead of rice.
- Add More Vegetables: If you want to add more veggies, feel free to roast some zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant and toss them into the bowls for added texture and nutrition.
- Meal Prep: These bowls are perfect for meal prep. Simply store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge, and assemble your bowl when you’re ready to eat. The chicken and grains will last for up to 4 days, while the salad and tzatziki will stay fresh for 2-3 days.
Why Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls are a Nutritional Powerhouse
These bowls aren’t just a treat for your taste buds; they’re also packed with nutrients. The chicken provides a lean source of protein, while the rice or quinoa offers complex carbohydrates and fiber. The vegetables are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and the tzatziki sauce, made with Greek yogurt, is a great source of probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health.
The Mediterranean diet, which these bowls are based on, is consistently ranked as one of the healthiest diets in the world. It emphasizes whole foods like vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and grains — all of which are represented in this dish.
Conclusion
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls are a delicious, healthy, and versatile meal that will quickly become a favorite in your home. Not only are they easy to make, but they also offer a balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and grains, making them a satisfying and nutritious option for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re serving these bowls for a family dinner or prepping them for the week, they’re sure to be a hit.
Now that you have the recipe, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! You’ll love how these bowls bring the flavors of Greece right into your kitchen.